NIKKOLAI DUBISSON, B.A.Sc. Coast and Ocean Sciences alumnus

UTT Coast and Ocean Sciences Alumnus Nikkolai Dubisson

Promoting a Sustainable Future for All

"Marine and environmental conservation is imperative in order to ensure a sustainable future for all." This is the strong belief of Nikkolai Dubisson who graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Coast and Ocean Sciences from The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). Nikkolai describes his experience in the programme as "eye-opening", and one which greatly assisted him in understanding the impact of climate change, the effects of our contributing actions and the urgent need to engage in environmental conservation. For Nikkolai, with a balance of practical work supported by theoretical concepts, the Bachelor programme provided a holistic approach to teaching and placed him at the centre of the learning process.

Upon graduating, Nikkolai was fully prepared for the world of work and joined the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), where his main tasks included identifying the origins of environmental complaints and utilising his knowledge of environmental law to address related issues. After his stint at the EMA, Nikkolai joined the Turtle Village Trust as a Project Assistant, where he developed beach management plans to ensure the conservation of all turtle nesting sites.

Based on a mutually beneficial relationship between the RPS Group based in Houston, Texas and the then UTT’s Marine Sciences programmes, Nikkolai was selected to become a Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Operator. In this capacity, Nikkolai travelled to Mexico, training alongside international personnel aboard Norwegian vessels. He noted, "PAM Operators utilise GIS and Remote Sensing, to acoustically identify marine mammals and also effectively implement mitigation measures to protect and conserve marine organisms while on the vessel."

Nikkolai is currently employed with the RPS Group as a Marine Mammal Consultant, where he continues to leverage his experience gained internationally as well as within the local sector.

Nikkolai lauded UTT’s Marine Sciences Programme, commenting that UTT was an excellent platform to advance his career as many of the concepts he was taught at the University were applicable in his career setting. He concluded, "Personally this programme has been a great stepping stone for me and I am confident that UTT as the national University will continue to create many opportunities for future graduates."

The University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Maritime and Ocean Studies programmes have received specialised accreditation from the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology (IMarEST). UTT remains committed to providing education with a global vision.